| Removing and replacing a scuba mask is the skill | | | | step by step: |
| that most new divers worry about. However with | | | | 1. Fill your mask with water by breaking the seal |
| a few simple steps you can master this skill. | | | | 2. Take a moment to breathe and become |
| Mask clearing: Before you learn to remove and | | | | comfortable with having your face covered by |
| replace your mask completely you should practice | | | | water. |
| clearing the mask until you are comfortable with | | | | 3. Remove the mask strap and take the mask |
| this skill. | | | | away from your face. |
| | | | | 4. DO NOT LET GO OF THE MASK! |
| Remember - when clearing scuba masks start | | | | 5. Make sure your snorkel is clear and to the side |
| breathing out before you tilt your head up to | | | | of the mask. |
| prevent water going up your nose. | | | | 6. Place your thumb in the nose pocket and guide |
| The magic snorkel: To prepare in advance for the | | | | it back to your face. |
| mask removal you can practice at home with a | | | | 7. Place the mask strap over your head and |
| snorkel. Fill a basin with COLD water and place | | | | confirm it's not twisted. |
| your face in the water. Breathe thru the snorkel | | | | 8. Feel round the skirt of the mask to make |
| to become comfortable with having your face in | | | | certain nothing is caught in it, hood or hair, also to |
| water whilst still breathing. Each time you do it try | | | | make certain it is not tucked up. |
| and stay an additional couple of breaths till you | | | | 9. Clear the mask as you have been practicing |
| are employed up to 30 seconds. | | | | before. |
| Practice in your comfort zone: When you are able | | | | Remember the point of the practice sessions is |
| to practice at your next scuba diving session | | | | to build your confidence, if things are not going |
| demand to practice (heck you are paying for | | | | well ask to take five and come back to the skill |
| it-the instructor WORKS FOR YOU) in the shallow | | | | later. When you master a new scuba diving ability |
| end first before going into the deeper water. | | | | theres always a great sense of accomplishment. |
| When you do have to do the mask removal, try | | | | Guaranteeing you are assured with mask clearing, |
| and take things slow and focus on your respiring | | | | practice with the magic snorkel at home and |
| when you are twitchy. If you need to, throw the | | | | taking things slowly in the pool session will help |
| panic signal up sign and your instructor will bring | | | | you remove and replace your mask simply and |
| you to the surface. Mask removal and replace | | | | with confidence. |